apology in advance if this is a very vague question. I am seriously looking at a 68 camaro with a built engine in around 2004. It's speedometer does not work, according to the seller. In your experence, is this generally a simple fix by a mechanic or can it lead to something expensive? thanks.

 

Causes could be....
1. A disconnected speedo cable
2. A stripped out or missing driven speedo gear in the trans tail housing
3. A broken speedometer
4. A missing/stripped/fallen off drive gear inside the trans tail housing
#'s 1 & 2 are easy to get to fixes. #3 would be a costlier fix, you'd need to replace the speedometer itself. #4 would be a bit costlier as well, as it requires you to drop and slide the driveshaft out, and remove the tail housing.
A simple check of the speedo cable (disconnected from the speedo) while driving the car, will help to tell what may or may not be spinning.

 

i see. just so i can factor that into the price, any guess on the parts/repair cost for #3 ad 4?

 

Not exactly if you have to pay to have it done. I do my own stuff, so it would be cost of parts.
If labor rates in your area are in the $100/hr. range (as they are here), then I'd factor a minimum of an hour's pay, plus parts.

 

i can't. you are near me so perhaps you can for a bottle of jack that is if i ended of getting it...

 

How near is near? Depending on what's wrong, it could take longer to figure out why the speedo isn't working than the time it takes to fix it.
Have you asked the owner if he knows why it isn't working? When something of mine isn't working, I usually know why.

 

yap, waiting for his response. i was told all the other electricals work except horn and speedo.

 

The speedo isn't electrical, it's cable driven.

 

got it.

 

try taking the cable from the tranny and fasten a drill motor to it (reverse). check inside the car to see if it is working