The story of an easy repair gone bad.  Purist be not offended.

>After many miles (or perhaps not so many) the little green gear which
drives
>the odo gradually works its way off the shaft until it no longer makes
>contact with its drive (worm) gear.

List members,

I removed my speedo yesterday to repair/replace this gear wheel.  Removal
was quite easy (82 Vanagon), however everything is soft 17 year old German
plastic.  Some dash parts where screws have compressed for many miles were
soft and cracked.
I was very careful in the speedo removal.  I found the loose gear wheel and
pushed it back where it belonged.
I then handed the repaired speedo to my number one who behind me soon softly
muttered, "I broke it."
"BROKE IT!", I replied.
I turned to see the broken indicator needle (more sun damaged soft plastic)
in one hand and the speedo in the other.

Here's the rest of the story.

I got an old BIC ballpoint pen and took out the inside part.  I cut off the
upper ink tube where there was no ink.   I then trimmed it to the correct
length and pushed it carefully onto the stub of what was left of the broken
needle spindle.  I had my 13 year old daughter make me a tiny color graphic
of a lightning bolt.  I super glued the odometer gear to it's shaft.   Then
the ink tube with the lightning bolt hiding it on to the speedo spinner.  I
let it set overnight.   This afternoon I put a tiny dot of white lube on the
worm gear, turned all the odometer wheels to zero and replaced the
speedometer in the dash.  Works great, looks cool.

Lesson learned (relearned):
1.  Easy repairs may or may not be easy.
2.  I have several early 1970's GM and VW cars with better quality plastic
parts than any of the 1980's cars I have or had, any brand.  I have a 98
Chevy pickup that has so much plastic, it static shocks you each time you
get out of it.  I have a fully metal and leather 73 Buick Electra 225 (seen
at www.Eckie.Prater.Com ) that never static shocks - no plastic.
3.  Helpers are well intentioned but can cost more than just time.

I'm done.
Thanks for listening, I feel much better now.
Eckie Prater
Eckie@swbell.net