Newbie here! Questions about restoring a Mortal Kombat 2 cab into MAME

[KITTinKC]

Hello, everyone.....this is my first post here.  I've been thinking about making a MAME arcade for years now but am just now getting around to it.  Just to cut to the chase, I have an old Mortal Kombat 2 cabinet that was completely gutted.  Actually, it was turned into a bowling game at some point so the old MK2 control panel, marquee, side art, etc. are all gone.  So, my project is to restore this into an MK2 arcade on the outside, but a MAME machine on the inside.  Anyway, I have some questions for you all (please answer these as "dumbed down" as possible.  As stated, I'm a newb! )

Control Panel:
- I'm just going to make a new top (at least) for the joysticks/buttons.  If need be, I may make a whole new control panel to incorporate a sliding "drawer" for my keyboard to go underneath.  I was wondering what joysticks and buttons are most accurate for replicating the original MK2 joysticks/buttons?
- On the subject of the joysticks and buttons, what do I need in order to hook them up to my computer?  I'm thinking PS/2 style.  I'm currently using an X-Arcade dual joystick, but obviously, I want to change this out.  My computer is somewhat old (running on XP), but does have USB if that is preferred over PS/2.  The more simple, the better.
- Are there any good threads (with pics) or even video's on how to properly wire everything?
- Are there any programs available to make custom control panel overlays, or are there any businesses online that offer such a service?  I'd like to make an MK2 CPO, but would need to incorporate at least one extra button (like "Run" for MK3) and would like to make a CPO that would look like the button was originally meant to be there (I can't find it now, but I saw someone flawlessly made a SF-style CP, but with a MK CPO).

Monitor:
- Any recommendations on a monitor?  I'm thinking of going LCD simply because of the weight issue.  It won't break my heart if I don't have the old CRT look.  But I do still want it to have the 4:3 aspect ratio.

Thanks in advance for any and all help!

[Crono22]

For a 2 player cab I recommend a Ipac2 http://www.ultimarc.com/ipac1.html

delusional has a video on youtube. He explains it perfectly.
 as for Custom CP. Plenty of people on byoac forums make custom CPO's for a price

[brad808]

For buttons/joy similar to the original go with happ competition joysticks and happ concave pushbuttons.

+ 1 on the ipac but if you already have the x-arcade you could also reuse that encoder

[KITTinKC]

Thanks for the help, guys!