The thread is 6mm
If you get a couple of 6mm grease nipples and file the tip of the threaded end the spring and ball will pop out leaving you with a nice hose fitting.
You would also need screws to blank it off later, an "O" ring works as a seal.
Use rubber hose for the first few inches, plastic will get soft and fall off when the manifold gets warm
Having said all that I just use a drill bit to measure the slide opening on my 72 Eldo, I don't believe the balance is that critical.