1964 a833 hard to get into first gear

I'm not following you.

If clutch was not releasing enough when he pressed the pedal down then it would be hard to get it into any gear, correct?
Yes but especially first. Reverse is a bad one as well. I can shift up and down almost every time without the clutch with the right rpm. Getting it into 1st without clutch disengagement is almost impossible. He did say he has a near new clutch and he has been chasing the adjustment for a month or two. I am suspect.