I would also suggest finding an old radio or something with electronic components on it, and practice soldering, removing and installing components. Use something you don't care if it gets ruined to practice on, so when you have to do it for real, you have some experience. If you don't know what your doing with a soldering iron, you can mess things up in a hurry. Practice with wires also, putting on/off of a switch/coil.
Bill