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?
>