Bathroom remodeling

My bathroom needs help. The first thing I need to do is remove the current steel tub. It's a tight fit so I'd have to cut it or break it up just to get in out. Anyone have any suggestions or sure fire way to break up a 1970 era steel tub. I thought of using a reciprocating saw but read on the DYI forum that you'd eat through the blades fast. They suggested using a skill saw with a metal cutting blade on it but that seems hard due to shape of the tub. I'm open for any ideas. Lisa

I think it is cast iron - incredibly heavy but also fragile. I got mine out my treating it to a 7pound sledge hammer (14# if your very strong) and carrying out the bits. My sixteen year old son (then) had a field day. Of course, make sure the plumbing is off.

As suggested, a sledgehammer will make short work of a cast iron tub. If it is indeed a steel tub...get yourself a reciprocating saw and some carbide-tipped blades. It should cut through the tub with no problems.

if you're going to put a tub back in the same spot take all the sheet rock & tile down to the studs if it's a cast iron tub it's just sitting on a backer board steel will have some nails along the top in the holes they provide remove the nails reachin w/ a claw hammer and roll it out thats all she wrote

Just remember, they got it in there before the sheetrock & all was up--she'll come out--I likke demolition more then the next guy I'd bet---BUT if you're going to go sledge crazy--wear safety glasses. I think jim d has the right plan.

I actually put another cast iron American Standard tub back in, but a lower one vs. the clawfoot that was in there.

Depending on what you are using in the shower itself.
I used this on top of the concrete board for great waterproofing under the tiles. its not cheap, but I didn't want it to leak.
http://www.schluter.com/8_1_kerdi_3965.aspx

Good luck.

Dave, that is an outstanding product. We used it in our bathroom and it worked out great. Best of all, it is made in our area.