2002 Explorer Heater Hose Tee

We have an Eddie Bauer 2002 Explorer. Today, we blew a heater hose
fitting. It seems like a tee that was press fit onto the heater
hose. It seems that the hose goes from the thermostat, back to the
tee, and is then routed twards the back of the vehicle and towards the
(passgenger)firewall.

I liked it better when there were clamps ! This seems as though it
might have been press fit with the fitting covering the od of the
hose. !? Can I just cut out the tee and pop a metal 1/2 " tee in
the id of the hose?

And if so. where can I find one - seems like these tee's are hard to
find.


Thanks...

....Mike