M64 = 2-1/2 inch = very, very difficult to hand-tap threads that large. Worse, you have an interference below, so you're going to be trying to use a loooong lever arm on a the thread die that has to be continually reset and started over. (Yes, a ratchet is possible, but that too is a start-stop type of machining. Easy to foul up and cut crossed threads.)
Rather than ruin the part, take it apart and cut the threads properly on a lathe with a good, steady, aligned drive motor and steady rest.