Speedometer and Tachometer are crazy?

Both the Speedometer and Tachometer are useless.

I have discovered that by turning the ignition switch full on, then off, the dials will return - at about 5-10 mph per switching - to zero. The speedometer then sometimes will function ok for a while, but eventually goes nuts. The tachometer goes nuts right away.

I have heard that it costs anywhere from $400 to $800 to get this fixed, because it requires rebuilding the entire instrument linkage.

I have also heard that this is a major problem with GM speedometers for some vehicles; a friend with a GMC has had his replaced twice.

I really think that the speedometer is a critical safety device, and that GM should issue a recall and fix these things.

Or is there something simple?

I'll be traveling about 5000 miles in the next couple of weeks, on freeways, and it's frustrating and perhaps dangerous to do so without knowing your speed.

A friend has a 1930 Model A Ford, and the speedometer works fine, perhaps with an occasional cable change! WHY DO THESE PEOPLE CHANGE WHAT WORKS?

Chuck Josephson