63 Spd Manual wont shift into First

ATF??? these trans are loose... they are not made with the super tight tolerances like the new ones... use 80-90...

as for the Non progressive first (Non synco) it has straight cut teeth... so they dont just mesh together on a whim... they have to be at the right RPM and tire speed... my 65 belvedere wouldn't get into 1st from second any slower than about 10 mph... and that was if i had my RPM's just right...

first is only for a start...

as for adjusting the clutch and then having it go soft again... sounds like you ready for a new clutch...