I'm not sure if this is a problem or operator error....

Definitely NOT a normal action!
You may have a bad/worn lock mechanism in the door, that is not going to "full" lock, until you press on the door "flapper". Then, the linkage(s) may be flipping over center, and causing the problem.
Whatever the trouble source is, you're gonna have to remove the door panel to fix it.

Now that you have your "new" Vette, might I suggest the next purchase you make be the factory service manual(s)?
They are indespensible for repairing wierd stuff like this, as you can look at the actual mechanisms, and have good troubleshooting/repair info.

Of course, you also have the massive intelligence of the C3VR members. Some of us are purdy good at convincing other folks that we really know something!

See there you go,first thing to put on the LIST,fix the door lock

Joel-

The Chilton's manuals are otay for basic info.
What I reccommend is the factory, GM issued service manuals. These are what the dealerships used when the cars were new. You can find them at swap meets, and on e-bay. Normally around $40.
The factory assembly manuals(AIM) are invaluable, also. This is what the factory assembly line workers used to assemble the cars. You can get reprints of these from just about any Corvette supplier, such as Bairs, for around $20. (sorry...I can't get the links to werk! )

Somebody had the GM phone number & you could order the factory assy manual for free from GM...Who remembers that #?

Although I haven't looked in the manual yet I'm guessing Chevrolet didn't stray away to far from the same principles they had used previous years at this time.
Remove the few screws that hold on the door panels. Remove the clips that hold on the door handle and slowly remove the door panel itself.
If you can look and see if the rod mechanism has'nt dropped loose from either the handle or the trip mechanism.
These rods had clips that slid over the ends of them and snap fit then to the rod to allow them from comming loose.
Like most of these things seldom used the take a fair amount of abuse from time. My guess is that the lock hadn't been used and when you decided to give it a try you snapped off the retaining clip. Thus it allowed you one good try.
If your lucky this is all that it is. (cheap fix) As said above when you inspect and correct the problem tighten er up good and lubricate it well.
Rembember all that you do too cause you have another side that may be similar.
Before I ever tried mine I PB Blastered the locks from the outside and worked them a little. I do this with all of the stuff that Mother Nature likes to leave her little dusting of corrosion on.Tuxblacray2006-09-18 12:30:53

2 cruzn2006-09-18 08:56:06

Knotacare, the only free material that I'm aware of from GM is their "Restoration" package, not the AIM. While this package doesn't contain the same detailed assembly information that the AIM does, nonetheless it's well worth obtaining for a new C3 owner (ar any other owner, for that matter!). It's got a wealth of info about the car, including loads of specs. And it's free! (Offhand, can't think of anything else that a car company gives away these days...)

I don't have the specific GM phone # any longer where it can be ordered, but I assume it's in the archives around here someplace, if KKFinch wants to do a search for it. All that's required is the VIN # to order it.