Yes, there have probably been a few thousand discussions on this topic.
If you have a late 1955 engine (255 in the engine serial number), you need a special short-shaft water pump (a work-around), or you need the adapter plate to use an older style water pump (the better solution). Either of those adaptations will work with the original radiator placement.
Since the radiator mounts to the rear surface of the radiator frame/housing, spacers will only make your situation worse.
I have seen scores of cob-job adaptations to the radiator frame to allow for the needed clearance. The top piece of the frame gets removed/re-situated and the radiator frame gets turned around, front side to back side. What a mess.
Where did you buy your short-shaft water pump and what is the part number? Maybe they sold you the wrong pump?
