Chances are the "thief" did not use historically accurate coil to ignition switch unit and instead put in a six dollar, easily bought, wired and bolted in, aftermarket switch. As you fail to point out weather it is an original style switch it is hard to offer you the right advice... uaually on these cars the switch is mounted on the sheet metal part of the dash and wont really invlove any damage to the dash to remove/replace it. The year of the car will also help others offer the right advice.
What was it like getting the car back after two years? Had it been maintained? Were there any improvements made? It is really hard to belive that someone was driving it around the whole time and didn't just change the VIN plate. Was there at least a full tank of gas?