idler arm bracket

('68 barracuda 383) found wheel loose and idler arm was primary source - anyway took off the old and notice the PO had not installed the washer called for at the lower end of bracket. Tried to fit new with washer (it's a thick one maybe1/8) but no way was going to fit with the idler arm in the bracket - appears it got bent over the years or PO wreched to specs w/o washer and bent the lower end of bracket - put the thing on for now and seems to function OK but I'm wondering if any one has had similar experience and was able to bend lower end of bracket for more clearance. Was thinking of using old bolt and a couple of nuts and with some pipe for leverage to open bracket up a bit. Comments appreciated. Seems to want to drift to that side now..maybe too tight?