I am refinishing an IS tank for installtion on my 99" STD. I plan on staying with the basic Black and matching the original color. I've shopped several solids shops with good reps about doing the paint and am getting hit with questions about the types of paint I want to use and finishes (type of paint, paint supplier, clear coats, 2 parts). Thought this would be the simple parts

. These guys want to get it right and I don't want to end up with a Fact-O-Bake looking paint job.
As a starter - Does anyone know what was the process used at the factory for the original paint job?
Does anyone know of a non-technical website offering a basic summary of paint and finish types explaining pros and cons?
Any first hand knowledge and experince would be gratly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Sambeaux