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Don:
Yes, there are people who specialize in speedometer repair. It is not common and usually only the bigger cities have a dedicated speedo shop. Here in Dallas\Ft. Worth there are three or four that advertise in the Yellow Pages. Yes, It can be cheaper to get a new gauge cluster out of the wreckers depending on what specifically is wrong with the speedometer head. I had the same problem with my speedometer that you are experiencing with yours. The guy I mentioned in Austin quoted me a price of $85 plus shipping to fix it.
What has happened with your odometer is that the gears that turn number barrels have become jammed. The usual culprit, according to the guy in Austin, is the set of gears that operate the service reminder light decided to be stubborn and constipate the entire odometer show. Because the guy in Austin was so confident about what caused the problem and about how easy it was to fix I decided I would try to save my self a few bucks. I ended up fixing mine for 2 bucks.
Here is how I did it.
1. Remove the gauge cluster from the dashboard. Directions to remove the trim panel to access the screws holding the gauge cluster in place can be found in the 700\900 FAQ. If your car is a turbo I strongly suggest cutting the vacuum line to the boost gauge 3 to 4 inches from where the tube connects to the rear of the gauge cluster. These small hoses harden over the years and I was terrified that I would break the hose nipple off trying to remove the vacuum tube. I went to the local parts house and purchased a package of barbed vacuum hose connectors for less than 2 bucks to reattach the cut hose. This way I did not have to worry about doing any expensive and troublesome damage to the boost gauge.
2. Once the cluster has been removed locate the five or six screws that hold the clear bezel to the front of the gauge cluster. The screws that hold the bezel on are the biggest ones on the back of the cluster. If you try this please take a moment to study the panel before removing screws. In addition to removing the screws, you will have to unclip or detach a couple of small plastic parts around the edge of the cluster. I wish I could be more specific but it has been three months since I fixed mine. It is not difficult. You just want to take the time to be careful and attentive to details. Once the clear bezel has been removed, use the eraser end of a pencil, or some other object that will not scratch the number barrels of the odometer, to carefully advance the odometer past the point where it has stuck. Reassemble and drive happy.
Hope this helps and good luck. Let me know if you have any questions.
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