Yeah do a rapid fire mod to get the feel for soldering, then you can try swap the LED's. Swapping the LED's for the first time is pretty hard main reason is because they are so god damn small. You have to be careful no to rip the soldering pads off.
(I managed to rip the pads AND the trace off lol)
If you do just use 30 gauge kynar wire to extend it.
Once your warranty runs out, you can buy a crystal clear case. Get a talismoon fan with LEDs pop that sucker in and add a few LED strips around the place and BAM you have a kickass xbox lol. OH and a few extra fans and heat syncs around the place for cooling
Happy modding
Hope to see some pics soon
Max