I'm hoping taping the bars isn't too tough, I have my new frame built up and ready except for the bar tape so while I'm dragging my feet I really feel its doable. You tube has several videos.

As for the barend shifters, what size is the cassette ? 6 speed? My brother wants to do the same and I saw some compatible friction shifters at orangevelo that would work. Though I agree that it would be easier and less time consuming to have a shop do it. When I did mine I scheduled for someone at the shop to take a look at the job I did to make sure I got it right.