Could you find a mechanic that would let you watch and ask questions ? that would be a great way to start....I worked a summer in a spring and brake shop during college... first as mechanic then up front with the customers.. part of my job was to place the cars in the stalls for the mechanics to work on them,,, it was very interesting to get to drive all those cars that needed front end work,, you get to feeling small things you never noticed before....