Need advice on beaver jaw set...

[absmithtaxidermy]

Hey everyone!  I have a 60 lb. beaver that is being mounted on Dan Chase form "beaver 5," which has a wide open mouth.  I ordered a Noonkester jaw set from McKenzie that is sold as "finished" and "large."  However, the paint job looks like crap, and the front teeth are much smaller than the actual teeth. The entire jaw set is a little too small (narrow and short) for the head as well.  I still have the original skull with all the muscle, tongue, eyes still attached.  

Here are some options I am brainstorming...
1.) I thought I might cast a jaw set except I don't know what sort of mold material or casting material would be best for the application... and I have never done any casting. (Plus I don't want to spend a bunch of $$$)

2.) Another idea was to cut the teeth off the skull and sculpt the tongue and inside of the mouth out of Apoxie sculpt, and just use the original beaver teeth. (of course then I wouldn't have a complete skull to clean up for my skull collection).

3.) A third option would be to repaint and use the jaw set that I have, knowing that is doesn't fit properly, but the customer probably won't notice. (or can the jaw set be cut and extended, and the front teeth built up?)  I'm not sure what material the jaw set is made of.

4.) Purchase a larger jaw set and try to return the first one.  IS there a larger beaver jaw set that can be purchased?

Any ideas from the experts???

[bill@hogheaven]

Option # 3

[John C]

Or open the mouth and use silicone from the hardware store, inject the silicone starting as deep as you can go and slowly working your way out.,, once set up cast it with any of the good urthanse onthe market,. dont forget mold release.
then use the front teeth from the beaver
.

This is so simple even my wife can do it.

[absmithtaxidermy]

Thanks, John C
I might try this, just to learn if nothing else.  Should I use any sort of stick or something to hold the mouth open from top to bottom or side to side?  Also, is there a good urethane that you could/would recommend for this application (product name and supplier)?

[John C]

The store bought silicone is thick enough to hold the mouth open.  I forgot the brand of urethane I think the number is 3025.  Use a spray mold release.

[joeym]

I just completed an "Option 2".  Looks great, but I have 3 hours invested in cutting the skull up on a bandsaw, and reconstructing the inner mouth with Apoxy.  On commercial mounts, the front teeth are all the the consuming public pays much attention to.