The last time I changed one I think I removed the oil filter first to
give more room (I know I removed the filter prior to changing the water
pump).  I removed the two bolts, that stick straight down, which are on
either side of the housing and removed the lower part that the big
coolant hose is attached to.  The thermostat sits in the housing right
above that lower part I removed and can be pulled down (out) from there.
  Not a lot of coolant was lost but a catch pan is called for.

Mike

Wesley Pegden wrote:
> So, I set aside this weekend to replace the thermostat on my 1.9l
> (manual) vanagon.  I just looked at the housing today, and I'm not sure
> how to get to it.  What tips do people have that have done this job?  I
> was really hoping to do it without loosing all my coolant.  Is this
> possible?
>
> -Wes
>