I'm so glad to find this site! Here goes... I have a ranch house built in 1950 with two baths. Both are about to have the faucets replaced. The main bath has a tub/shower and will need a three handle tub/shower faucet. The plumber said that with an 11 inch spread he can only find a faucet from Central Brass. And he was pretty adamant that I have to have a faucet that's all brass, no plastic parts. True? It'll work but it looks like it was designed in the 1950's. It's pretty ugly but I'll deal with it if I have to. Do I have to? I'm pretty sure it's Central Brass Model 0971-Z. And is it possible to modify the 8 inch spread models with more a modern faucet to my current plumbing situation. I have fixed set tile and am not in a position to retile the entire bath, nor do I have any old tile to make repairs. Also, about 6 years ago, a plumber I knew replaced the faucets (they we very inexpensive and are falling apart) and he made some modifications with the plumbing, probably the valve, to get the new faucets to work. So it seems like I would have other options. I live in Richmond, VA and we have loads of old houses here. Thanks for any advice you can offer! Vicki

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The plumber said that with an 11 inch spread he can only find a faucet from Central Brass. And he was pretty adamant that I have to have a faucet that's all brass, no plastic parts. True?

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Nope! False! Your plumber was mistaken. Moen makes a 13" wide chrome remodel cover plate,(see image) that addresses this problem. This plate will cover the existing holes and allow you to install a one handle valve. Check out what Moen has to offer. Good luck, Tom

Why not rebuild the existing faucets. Why not take out the stems and a seat and go take to a plumbing supply and see if you can find seats, surely the washers will be available.
Handles, escutcheons and stem covers are the parts you are most likely to have difficulty finding. With new washers and seats and greasing the stems you have replaced all of working parts.

Thanks Harold. But the reason I'm replacing the faucets in this bath is because the handles, escutcheons, and stem covers are cheap and falling apart. The plumbing works fine. I was wondering if there are options other than this Central Brass three handle unit out there somewhere.