I think the tub probably is cast iron. When I tap on the slope of the back, I hear more of a bell sound. The tiling on the apron may be muffling any sound when I tap on the sides of the tub. On the drain cover, it says "Made in Taiwan," and it looks like cast iron tubs may have been imported from Taiwan in the 80's. The main incentive for the bathroom remodel is a serious leakage problem with the shower pan in the stall shower. A secondary reason is that the entire layout has never been ideal. Third reason is that all the small tile and grout is a pain to clean. Fourth reason is the decor (tile) is dated. I don't know if it's possible or cost-effective to remove the tiling around the tub without damaging it. It would be challenging to design a new bathroom around the old tub with the existing tile. I need to operate the window; it is the only source of ventilation in the bathroom. Changing the layout would provide easier access to the window. I've thought of several alternatives - add a fan, add another window, change the window configuration (awning-type window), or find a window treatment that provides privacy without sacrificing ventilation. While the exterior length of the tub is 66", the interior length is 44". The depth is 15". I'm 5'1" and this size works for me, but probably not for the average-size adult. My teenage son likes to take baths. He's a foot taller than me and has long legs. I took him with me to try out some longer tubs - even some of the 72" tubs are too short for him, depending on the slope of the sides. Given that I'm accustomed to a cast iron tub, will I be disappointed if I replace it with a new acrylic / fiberglass tub? There are some other types of materials, such as Victoria & Albert tubs and WetStyle tubs; I'm thinking about looking at these.

Well, you can get it reglazed, but all the activities you list as liking it for will be risky with the new surface, which must be babied more than the original.

I frustrated with the non slip bottoms they put on cast iron tubs today. Some feel like a grindstone (can't imagine sitting on that) and then Kohler uses that almost impossible to keep clean process. Could you tell me what kind of slip resistant surface Toto uses on thier CI tubs?

I don't think the Highbridge is offered anymore without the enameled apron although they still may be in stock with a number of suppliers. The apron covers only the middle part of the front, so you have to custom build something to cover the front at each end (storage or tile) or cover the whole front with a tiled apron. Its essentially styled like a drop in tub but built as an alcove tub with flanges. This tub will offer the deepest bathing. The Mendota differs from the Bellwether also in that the Bellwether has a flattish rim around the top that you can set down things at least temporarily, but the Mendota has a thin and beveled rim, which probably makes the interior a bit wider, but I don't think you could put a shampoo bottle down or sit on the edge of this tub comfortably. The other option is the Kohler Dynametric. I just bought the Bellwether 30x60 without the angled front but it is not installed yet.