Hi Jim,
It could be a number of reasons why the speedo is'nt working, here is few things to check.
Does the cable fit at both ends?
If so, check to see if the magnet is demagnatised inside the speedo.
Is the cable lubed?
Did the square cable break off in either end of the housing?
Is the back of the speedo housing were the square cable go,is it striped?
Or the other end were the square cable goes into the side of the tranny?
I think I might be missing somethings to check.
Chevyboy62