Bass Tracker gas tank question

A buddy of mine just bought a mid to late 80's Tracker with a built in gas tank and a 60 hp 'rude. First time out he broke the brass fitting on the gas tank. The fitting has 2 pieces and it looks like the piece with the threads are still in the metal structure sticking out of the top of the tank. Are these threads something that can be unscrewed with a pair of vice grips?

The pickup tube is screwed in the fitting...I can assure you it will break off if you try to get it out they gald them in....I would look at tapping it any way you can to recieve another fitting WITHOUT trying to pull the tube.....only real fix is to put a new tank in it....NOw thats a bunch of work!