kenham,
It sounds like you have a combination of components that sounds suspicious. I will have to ask you a bunch of questions in an attempt to sort this out.
(1) Manual or power steering
(2) Does idler arm have pilots at each end
(3) Is idler arm 1-5/8 long
at each end (shoulder to end of thread)
(4) Is idler arm bracket an elaborate forged or cast part, or is it a simple "L" bracket
From what you have disclosed thus far; it sounds like you might possibly have had an aftermarket ball bearing idler arm kit on your car. These were popular on manual steering cars. If that is the case, you will have to start by obtaining a proper idler arm/ bushing kit from one of the suppliers.
The late '50s and early '60s were overrun with unscrupulous front end alignment scams. Your car may have been one of the millions of victims.
Tom
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