I had the same issue. Yes there is a female thread in the crank snout. Typically they come from the factory without a center bolt installed.
It is 3/4"16 UNF.
Mine (1964) was packed with so much gunk it was not obvious until I started poking around. There are tapped holes in the face of the damper. Yes, a common damper removal tool will do the job as it is a press fit on the crank.