I don't know about the '62 but my '55 does not have a synronized first gear. Sitting at the light in neutral (I don't ride the clutch), when the light changes, I have to wait a good five-count to shift into first from the time the clutch is engaged to avoid grinding.
However, like Whizzer, I have found that I can just touch the second gear gate (engages 2nd gear synronizer), then shift to first without waiting to avoid grinding. this is a great relief to the hotfoots behind me at the light and I don't have to hold up the "Keep honking, I'm reloading" sign in my rear window while I'm counting to five.
These things were never made for speed shifting, even when new.
