OK, I took out the instrument cluster and replaced bulbs (someone had a hig-watt bulb and almost melted the reflector!!) cleaned and painted the reflector area. I also removed the potentiometer and soldered a wire between the two posts. All I can say is wow. Like new. The light are much MUCH brighter...although not blinding, it is great.
While in there, I took a look at the speedo/Odometer and found out that the smallest gear had only one tooth remaining, and the outer-most black one had several missing. Does anyone know where I can get these gears, without having to send in my speedometer to some place?
The speedometer works great, and if those gears were in working order, the odometer would work too!!

BTW, I have a '81 300TDT with electric speedometer, not mechanical.

__________________
Current: '91 300TE 4MATIC 317k and climbing...
Former:
'81 300TD Wagon 168K "Tank"
'83 240D 216K 4spd manual "Da Bear" (aka best car ever)

"Never sweat the petty things...
and never pet the sweaty things."