Reply #3: cast iron tubs can be refinished.

[politicat]

My sister had her antique slipper back tub refinished in a lovely cappuccino cream color for less than it would cost to replace the thing with a fiberglass insert (which I don't recommend.) They bought an unrenovated house in SW Illinois and have been rebuilding it bit by bit.

Here's an HGTV article on the process (I don't know who my sister used, since we live in different states and all I got was the blow by blow, the cost breakdown and pictures -- and a long rant about how refinishing that bathroom during the middle of finals was driving her nuts...)

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/remodeling/article/0,1797,HGTV_3659_1873532,00.html