I recently had a clutch replaced on my '66 Fastback, and the seals/bearings redone on my 3-speed tranny. Unfortunately, we're having a problem getting into first gear without:

a) Seriously riding the clutch, or

b) in some circumstances, grinding away into first if letting up on the clutch and giving it gas isn't "just so".

Now, the car shifts well in second and third, but first is a problem. We brought the car back to our mechanic and they replaced the new clutch with another new clutch. Again, same problem. We can get into gear, but not without serious play between the gas and popping the clutch. My wife learned how to drive on this vehicle, and I've been driving stick since college, so we're not inexperienced drivers. It's quite depressing because we're with a reputable transmission shop.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what could be causing repeat problems with this? Our instincts are telling us that it shouldn't be this difficult to drive a (second) brand new clutch.

 

Have the clutch rod adjusted right? What about the shifter?