A: Hello back, Will... but it's probably good-bye to your request of finding original replacement parts for your old claw foot tub. I don't want to say that it's impossible to find the old parts, but I have never had any luck finding or working with very old tub fixtures.

I've worked on many old claw foot tubs, and the best luck I had with saving these tubs is to completely strip the tub of all the old plumbing fixtures and hardware. Once the tub has been stripped down to just a shell, I've hired subcontractors to refinish, repaint, and update the exposed surfaces. Then, I start from scratch to hook up a new drain/overflow assembly, tub valve, and shower head/curtain rod assembly.

The good news is that new hardware and tub faucets are still available to fit most of the old style claw foot tubs. However, you need to find tub valves with scald protection or add anti-scald controls. You must check with your local plumbing inspector to see what is required to complete this job according to local code.

If this all sounds complicated, that's because this is not a small job and you may be opening up a big can of worms. Now, a second option could be to completely remove the old tub, and install a new modern tub and/or shower stall unit. This should give you the best payback, but you're still looking at a good sized project.

Finally, since this is a second bathroom and you haven't used the tub in years, another option may be to completely remove the old claw foot tub and cap the water and drain lines. In this case you'll just basically be doing the demo work, and you will gain a lot of space in the bathroom.

Sorry to say that I have no ideas for a quick fix on this job. Remember, whatever you do needs to be done correctly and by the book so your home will pass inspection. Maybe others can learn from your predicament. The lesson here is to invest in your home while you're still living in it. That way you'll get to enjoy the remodeling job yourself for a while.