Classic/Antique Car Repair: clutch plate frozen, clutch plate, clutch fork

Question
I have a 48 flathead V-8 (59A)with a popular after market adapter to a T-5 tranny.  All components are new and the engine/ tranny have been setting in the car about 4 years.  Body is now back on the frame and after hooking up the clutch pedal the clutch does not engage fully.  The throwout bearing engages the pressure plate but the three fingers on the pressure plate appear to be frozen and will not budge.  Everything in the linkage look right and the clutch parts look right, but?  I hate to force fingers on the pressure plate but maybe that's what I need to do, don't know?  What would you suggest.  Thanks.

Answer
First check to make sure that outboard end of the clutch fork is not hitting the bell housing. If that is not the case then, well I hate to say it but if the job was in my shop and the clutch would not depress with foot pressure I would have the transmission out. Then the pressure plate out. I would also check to make sure that the throw out bearing and collar was not cocking on the sleeve and binding. With the pressure plat on the floor you should be able to depress the fingers by standing on them using your heel. In my shop I use my hydraulic press to check then for movement.