[CR]What if anything useful can be done to crusty gum hoods?

(Example: History:Ted Ernst)

Date: Sat, 15 Sep 2007 14:01:37 -0700
From: "Doug Van Cleve" <dvancleve@gmail.com>
To: "Classic Rendezvous" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR]What if anything useful can be done to crusty gum hoods?

Howdy folks.

I just got a pair of Mafac levers that were purported to have relatively supple hoods but I would say they are relatively hard. They are intact and look okay, but I am certain wouldn't survive a removal attempt. I just finished poking around the archives and the only suggestions I found were Armor All (with a matching "don't use it" post), 303 protectant (might have this one wrong) and Bag Balm of all things. To me the BB seemed most plausible so maybe I will try that. I seem to recall reading something about using glycerin, but I didn't find anything in the archives. Any other thoughts on this? Thanks in advance :^)

Doug Van Cleve
Chandler, AZ USA