Gents, here's a good tip for ya:

Buy a simple electronic kit and learn how to solder! It does not need to be anything specific - any toy electronic kit will do. The idea is to get familiar with the different electronic parts, how to solder and so on.

About the soldering iron: do not cheap out! Buy a temperature controlled one - or, if you foresee that you will do more soldering in your pit/house/car/etc., buy a soldering station with temperature control. Should last you a lifetime, and ensures perfect soldering every time!

And last, but not least: Search for soldering guides, especially on youtube!