in d2lod ladder can a rare giant axe be upgraded twice to glorious axe?

I don't think so. I think it only works for unique items. No normal (i.e. white or socketed), rare, magic or sets.

http://classic.battle.net/diablo2exp/items/cube.shtml

1 Ral Rune + 1 Sol Rune + 1 Perfect Emerald + Normal Unique Weapon = Exceptional Version of Weapon
This formula changes the base item type from the normal to exceptional version. For example an Axe is turned into a Cleaver. This does NOT convert the item to the Exceptional Unique version of the Unique Item. Unique item bonuses remain the same; only the item it's based on is upgraded. This can be used to upgrade Ethereal Items also. They will continue to be Ethereal after they are upgraded. Also if the item is socketed, then jewels or runes and their mods will also remain.

1 Lum Rune + 1 Pul Rune + 1 Perfect Emerald + Exceptional Unique Weapon = Elite Version of Weapon (Single Player, Ladder Only)
This formula changes the base item type from the exceptional to elite version. For example a Cleaver is turned into a Small Crescent. This does NOT convert the item to the Elite Unique version of the Exceptional Unique Item. Unique item bonuses remain the same; only the item it's based on is upgraded. This can be used to upgrade Ethereal Items also. They will continue to be Ethereal after they are upgraded. Also if the item is socketed, then jewels or runes and their mods will also remain.

its ethereal and i know lots of rares can be upped twice so my question is really do glorious axes still even exist?

why shouldn't it?

rares and unique can both be upgraded on ladder, different recipes.

Yes and yes glorious axes still exist.

Rare in non laddder too uniques only in ladder!