First contractor is basically a carpenter, so his choice was all wood, putting 4 2x12s in place of the very thin remaining concrete above the door to support the main floor. A lot of work, and leaving the whole doorway weaker than the cast-in-place steel doorframe. But, he was overloaded, and couldn't take on the job. He referred me to another guy I know, used to be a plumber, but has now gone into gen. contracting. So, he's a lot more familiar with the concrete end of things. After much fussing and hitting the same brick walls I was hitting getting anything in stock or nearly in-stock, he found some double steel doors with steel frame pre-hung for $900. He wants to do it quick, so he's going to rent some super-duper diamond saw that can cut the 8" thick wall all from one side. But, that rental will cost him $400 (or maybe $450). And, he's going to need an assistant - good idea, a ton of concrete is too much for even one really BIG guy to handle. Total bid $2500 - Ouch! But, it will be worth it, and it is going to be done right.
Oh, he's going to install a steel lintel tied in beyond the width of the new doorframe before cutting anything. That should support the concrete over the door.
Next brick wall, I call a shipper recommended by the seller of the machine, they ask "do you have an account with us?", I say "no". They quote $3400 to move the machine! When I make gasping noises, they say "well, maybe you'd be better off renting a U-haul." but, then they say I should call one of their local sales reps. I get a call back from her this morning, and she gives me a tentative bid of $819 for the same move. Ah, yes, just open an account with them and you get a 70% discount! Gee, I'd open an account with Wal-Mart and the local grocery chain if they'd give me a 70% discount, too! Where do I sign up?
Now, all I have to do is line up a rental forklift and I've got all the bureaucratic hoops jumped through.
Jon