I just looked in Samba classifieds and there is a housing for a 1985:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2349233

Look a the rust on those bolts! I would be nice to see a photo of the
housing disassembled.

On Tue, Feb 18, 2020 at 1:54 PM Steven Shelton <shelton4@gmail.com> wrote:

> Thanks for the link. I didn't find that one. I replaced the thermostat and
> hose eight years ago, but I don't remember if I pulled the pump or not. I
> know I didn't have any problems with bolts; maybe being in the south it
> doesn't corrode as much. I can hope.
>
> What I do remember is being shocked about how much pitting there was in
> the housing. I can see it perforating at some point. I've had my eyes open
> for a good used one since then, but haven't seen one anywhere. I wonder if
> some kind of epoxy would prevent that. It might also peel off and clog the
> cooling system.
>
> On Tue, Feb 18, 2020 at 1:26 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
> wrote:
>
>>  Here is some info on replacing the short hose:
>> https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=596873
>> Just for fun....I did a quick check on 1.9 Thermostat Housings at
>> GoWesty, VanCafe, Bus Depot, and Vanagain.  Only Ken at Vanagain mentioned
>> that even though NLA, he "usually" has a used one that he has cleaned up.
>>
>> Good luck.
>>
>> Rich
>>
>>
>>     On Tuesday, February 18, 2020, 9:51:11 AM PST, Richard Koerner <
>> rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>>
>>   Another warning:  be super careful when removing a 1.9 Thermostat
>> Housing.  Maybe 12 years ago or more, I took my vehicle to an experienced
>> VW shop for water pump replacement.  In doing so, the mechanic
>> cracked/broke the housing.  Even back then....they were no longer
>> available!  I was able to find a used housing at a local VW scrap yard and
>> the story ended happily.
>>
>> Rich
>> San Diego
>>
>>     On Tuesday, February 18, 2020, 9:31:44 AM PST, Thomas Casal <
>> thomas.casal@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>  I’m no expert but I don’t see why you couldn’t. beware of those bolts
>> they
>> are usually rusty and rusted on.
>>
>> On Tue, Feb 18, 2020 at 12:14 PM Steven Shelton <shelton4@gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>> > I have a leak at the short hose between the thermostat housing and
>> engine.
>> > Do I have to remove the water pump as well as the thermostat housing or
>> can
>> > I take off the two bolts and the hoses then pull the housing off?
>> >
>>
>