63 beetle is hard to shift into any gear. and seems to be grinding the gears when finally going into gear

Sounds like you have a worn out clutch. Also I once saw the motor coming loose from trans cause this same problem, just had to tighten bolts on that one

good chance your clutch cable is comming apart. usually at the bellhousing end. there have been incidents wher the pedal assembly will crack at the pin and will be flexing rather than pulling the clutch cable.

Could be the shift c.oupler that is located under the backseat also. I would check that first