[V]

I am thinking about replacing the bathtub in my bathroom. It is 42+ years old and a pale yellow color. It is cast iron and 30"wide x60"long x15" high. So at least it is a standard size. HOWEVER, I dont not intend to re-tile the bathroom. Could I remove just the bottom row of surround tiles and get the tub out that way? That way i could just get white tiles to match the tub and only need to do one course. From my rough measurments, I could fit the tub out of the bathroom without much difficulty, so that also means a replacement would fit back in to the bathroom.

Then I also need to decide what material a new tub would be made out of.
I do NOT like kohler due to the fact we had a sink by them that is now rusting through with very limited use. I would like to stay with a cast iron or similar type material. I dont want an acrylic or fiberglass POS. The old current one now is rock solid, but the color just kills it.

Also, refinishing or re"glazing" it isnt really an option due to the fact alot of comments refer to the fact the coatings dont last long in tubs. Also, I thought about a drop in liner but i dont want to worry about possible water getting between the old tub and liner plus its still 500+ bucks.

Any opinions advice or recommendations?

BTW, the bathroom tiles are a beige-ish color(maybe a pink hue) and cover the surround tub to ceiling and the other walls up to 4ft high. Current toilet and sink are also the lovely-ugly yellow color, but those will be replaced easily with white items.