what should i know when asking to have them painted? ie, about colormatching, clearcoats, etc, i want to be well informed on how painting body kit type parts should be done so that i dont walk into the shop and get taken.

what should i ask of the painter, and what else do you think i should know before going and getting estimates?

thanks guys
 

Then follow these instructions.
Go to the shop
Take the covers with you
take your car with you
Speak to the fellow there
point at the covers.
tell the guy you want the covers to match the car
point to the car.

Go home.

if they don't match, have them redo it

Seriously, he will have to match the paint to your car - likley a staanderd GM colour, adjus for fading, sand if necessary and clearcoat - assuming your car has clearcoat.

These are simple covers and you don't have to worrk about special paints and such as you do with say a vette.