jweltch, that sounds like a cluster problem. If it was just the needle then it would be the vss or speedo. But the odometer isn't reading high??? I had a spare harness for the vss and just resoldered the wires together yesterday and it looks all good today. So check your wiring first. It is easy to pullout the vss. on the tranny. One 10mm bolt and wiggle it out. Also unplug it of course. Check it over if you are not sure if that is the problem, but start there first.

mini-me, hmmm. Sounds like the vss or the wiring because it works hot and not cold>? Check those out and inspect. It is a very simple process.
Go to the sticky if you need diy. Reinstall in and test drive.