I had no idea the dash circuit did so much.  I finally got mine up and running great, all I have left is the left window actuator, and it's not broken.. the nub just seems to have a part missing where it goes below the window.  I have that piece it slips in... but it doesn't fit right, so I think something is gone.

     I know it's best to replace the speedometer cables with new.  However I found a fix when the cable housing breaks off behind the white piece that slips over the speedometer housing.  I used 1/2 inch heater hose, and gooped the plastic piece in the hose, and then slipped the housing cable into the bottom of the hose, and used a small hose clamp right on the big part.  It works like a new one.

Just my 2 cents..!
Lyle Lathem
Wills Point Texas
1985 Vanagon GL