Steering Column Repair: Ignition Key Messed up after thief tryed to steal truck !, ford f 150, torx driver

Question
I have an ford f-150 1997 truck ! Someone tryed to steal it last night buy putting a screwdriver in where the key goes in ignition ! When I got into my truck all the dash lights were on ! They come on when you click the key to that first point when starting truck ! I put my key in to try to start truck but that first click is gone ! Its like the key just freely turns now and does nothing in that key hole ! I had to disconect the battery so that all the dash lights will turn off ! This is A 4speed manual ! After the key make that first click u have to step on the cluth when you turn the key the rest of the way to start it ! Now is there anyway I can start the truck now that they messed up my ignition key spot with a screwdriver ! Is there mobile auto locksmith that can come out with a new ignition key thing & put it in ! Or will I have to tow it to a macanic to fix ! I am trying not to have to pay for a tow ! So have anyong can tell me how to start this truck now that the key thing is messed up I would appreciate it !
Thanks
Kevin

Answer

Removing a Ford Lock C Hi Kevin:
There is a very simple fix for your situation.  Go to AutoZone (or any parts store) and buy a new ignition lock cylinder & key set.  It should cost under $20.
I can only post one picture here, so i cannot show you everything, but once you know what you are after, the picture displayed will make sense.

Look at the new lock and you will notice a small 1/8" locking pin coming out of the housing.  When you rotate the lock to the "on" position, that pin can be depressed.  When you rotate it to other positions, it protrudes and remains out.

Now, turn the ignition to the "on" position on your truck.  The lights should be on, but the truck is not running.  With a small punch (I use a 20 torx driver) you are going to push that locking pin in on the old cylinder allowing you to remove it.  Once you get the pin in, simply pull the lock cylinder out of the housing.  You don't need to remove any covers, but if you need to, remove the lower one.  
When the old cylinder is out, just turn the new one to the 'on' position, push in the pin, slide the cylinder in and rotate it to all the positions.
You're all done