Airbox Rubber Boots

[Guest]

While waiting for my carbs to raise in the oven I have started tearing the airbox down into its sperate components for its overhaul.
I was quite pleasently surprised at how soft and pliable the rubber boots between the airbox and the carbs still are, all except for the number 1 boot, which has started to harden to the "plastic" we know so well.
Question, is there any trick or tweak known to the good folk here to get the boot supple and soft again?
I know that the best option is just replacing the boots, and I will do that if I need to, but I am curious?

[Steve]

Question, is there any trick or tweak known to the good folk here to get the boot supple and soft again?

The only trick I have found is ... CASH.

Cash for a new boot, that is. You can temporarily soften them a bit by dipping them in boiling water, but that still does not add suppleness to the rubber, nor does it lessen the depth of the groove for the clamp.

.

[Flyboy]

hahaha. Thanks Steve, thought as much, was just curious, I am surprised every day by the wealth of knowlege here, if the GSR community don't know how to do it, it can't be done.
At least it is only one, so it eases the pain a bit, the other three are like they came out the box yesterday......wierd how that is???