Keep or replace porcelain cast iron alcove tub?

[northerngirlWI]

We are remodeling our main bathroom. Our white alcove tub installed in new construction 1967-68, semi-custom, looks in fine shape. Our area's best refinisher (commercial) inspected it and said he only saw minor scratches/dings that are repairable and recommended not refinishing it. We believe it is a porcelain cast-iron tub and I'll know once I clean out the closet to access the water valves . Because we are removing the chalked tile surround to the studs many people tell us to replace the tub, to be safe. However we hate to remove a quality tub.

If your experience includes tubs of this era, what else do we need to know before making this decision? Could the tub be porcelain steel? Again once I gain access to the shut-offs I will investigate.

Thank you for considering our dilemma and sharing your expertise.
DHale

 

[Terry]

Looking in the overflow hole, you can tell whether it's thin steel, or cast. Cast is much thicker. If you knock with your knuckle, it's a duller thud, not the ping of steel.
Normally a picture is all we need to know.
I like to replace the tub, mainly because even in good shape, they don't look as good once the new tile goes in. The tile now looks great, and the tub looks aged.
If it's steel, you should pull it.