I am not a very good home fix-up guy, but I also was quoted $5K to replace the old, cracked tub in my bathroom. I can do tile and I can handle a little plumbing or pay a pro, but I have no idea how to remove, let alone instal, a tub. Anyone ever do this before?
If the old tub is cast iron than take a sledge hammer to it and carry it out in smaller pieces. If you can do some plumbing you should be able to install a tub. Make sure that the tub is level so you tile doesn’t end up off.
The tub is some type of acrylic or apoxy. I guess I just need to start by taking it out. Demolition probably won’t be my biggest problem.
5K sounds steep. Is that for a whole bath remodel or just the tub/shower area? Observe how it comes out. You’ll figure out how to get another one in.
I like the claw-foot tubs. Installation after a remodel would be a snap.
this is the same project i am starting. of course i havent finished the siding, jeep remodel, shed… but swmbo priority. it is not all that hard other than the weight of the thing. +1 to smashing up iron. anything else should be manageable. remember that tubs are sold as left hand and right hand drain. simple distinction but hate to see you get caught. the plumbing for the shower and faucet will be more of a challenge than the drain.
Dude, forget that mess, and just get it reglazed. Its a fraction of the cost as a new one, and looks brand new when done.
If you do decide to pull it out, go with the sledge hammer, and wear safety goggles. (myself, I wear safety goggles 24 / 7, no matter where I go. Never can be to careful) you’ll need to tear your existing surround or tile down, and replace with green board, or ideally, Durock. Be prepared to do some framing also, as you will most likely have to make some modifications to get the new fiberglass tub in, even if the advertised dimensions are the same as the old. And, if you have a cast iron tub, I’m sure you have a least some cast iron plumbing. You’ll probably end up tearing some of your floor up too. If you have a few skills, and a BFH (big f***king hammer) you can do it. But I would seriously look at reglazing it. Heck, it might even work out better for you just to fly me down there and let me do the work in exchange for beer and an erotic massage.
Oh, and when before you put your new tub down, screw the crap out the floor under it, and put down a nice bed of sand. That keeps it from making ceremony noises when you stand in it.
I’m not sure there are any reputable massage parlors down here but I’ll star looking tomorrow. ;D
Reglazing … I’ll look into that. Can you reglaze and change the color? The woman who owned this house before me was a lesbian doctor and she had some … Interesting color choices. Maybe she does massages, I’ll am her.
Dude, no reason to look for a parlor. I’m sure you have magical hands. Yeah, you can change the color to anything you like. You’re not into the lesbian decor, eh? Or is it Mrs. Major who’s against it?
Before or after the erotic massage?
Either way.
I’m sure she kept the carpets squeaky clean, though… 
FWIW my hands are like 80 grit sandpaper. No carpet, all hardwood. snicker
Its all good. It’ll be like an exfoliation massage,
Now THAT’S erotic!