[oh'mike]

Yes---Remove the old plaster and then sister in new studs tight to the tub.

Studs only cost a couple of bucks each and will make every step along the way easier.

What you are trying will look sloppy and ..........

why are you trying to save the old plaster?

 

[jelly]

Without the old plaster, the area where my tub is going would be 60.5 inches. I am coming down with the cement board to the top of the flange.

 

[1910NE]

looks alot like my recent bathroom remodel. O'Mike has the right idea.

 

[oh'mike]

Pulling that wall in by 1/2" should only take a few minutes and will make your job so much neater,

Look at the time you've spent trying to fudge that in.

No one can find fault with your work if you do it the right way.

 

[Bud Cline]

Yow, that's a helluva mess don't do it that way, pa-lease.

Do as Mike suggests and move that wall out a little with new studs sistered to the old or firring strips attached to the face of the studs. THEN you can bring your wallboard down to the top of the flange.

Use a few shims and screws to "set" the tub but don't worry about it after that. Once the tub is trapped in the hole it isn't going anywhere.