I recently acquired a 1984 F-250 that had been a victim of an attempted car theft. What ever they tried, I am no longer able to start the car with the key and must use a wrench to turn on the electronics and then jump the solenoid with jumper cables. I would like to take care of this issue in the least complicated and cheapest way. Any advice?

 

I would remove the steering wheel, and look at the colar where the ignition lock is at in the wheel. See if anything is broke, if the actuating rod is bent etc...

If they just broke off the outer part of the lock, a new lock cylinder can be put in.

 

You live in the city?

Move