Bicycle Mechanics - installing BAR END HIFTERS

I am in the process of converting my 12 speed downtube shifter bike into a 14 speed bar end shifter bike.

I am interested in buying some 8 speed ultegra bar end shifters (also work in friction mode). Are these shifters any good or should I stick to older friction only bar end shifters (like suntour).

Also is installing the bar end shifter difficult? What would be a fair price to install them along with the gear adjustment?

The Ultegra 8-speed bar end shifters are set up for either index or friction simply by turning a knob. Front derailleur shifting is friction mode only. You'll be using these on the friction mode for your 6 cog freewheel. I've got these shifters on my old Mtb/commuter with moustache bars. I found the shifters, including cable/housing new on Ebay for $35 about a year ago.
Installation is as simple as installing down tube shifters.

8-speed bar end shifters won't index perfectly with a 7-speed cassette. They'll come close, but it won't be perfect.

The installation has a number of fairly labor intensive steps, like retapeing the handlebar. Even the technical parts are pretty basic so this might be a job that you'd want to tackle on your own. The bar end shifters won't come with the cable stops that you need to replace your down tube shifters. Regular retail list price for the cable stops is about $10.00, but most bike shops have a drawer full of the things so, if they like you, you might be able to score a set for a greatly reduced price.

Actually, I was going to use them in friction only mode--I will have a 7 speed freewheel.

The bar end shifters won't come with the cable stops that you need to replace your down tube shifters. New in the box shimano ones do.

Rivendell (www.rivbike.com) is manufacturing the old SunTour power shifters and adapters to install in bar ends. These are very nice friction shifters that incorporate a ratchet mechanism that decreases the force required to pull cable. Very nice retro look.

I use an Ultegra bar end for the rear derailleur on my cross/touring bike in friction mode 8-speed and it shifts like a champ. Real easy to set up too.

Yes, the ultegra 8 speed bar ends I am buying do come with the cable stops.