thanks for the replies.
and no, I shouldn't see any reason to replace the whole instrument cluster when it would be more specifically a problem located at the connections of the speedo cable or in the cable itself.
any idea how much I might be able to pick up a new cable for? ..and would that...
I get on the freeway this morning in my '95 to find my speedo bouncing around my general speed, rather than going up and down smoothly like usual.
It also makes somewhat of a rattling or scratching type noise, so something obviously came loose or snapped.
I'm not one who's afraid to get in...