Tricks for restoring rubber pieces

[The Prophet of Doom]

Obviously you can't restore them, the damage is not reversible and cracks don't magically join up.  but I've had good success removing the surface crap and resurfacing with degreaser spray or carb cleaner - to dissolve the surface, off a quick wipe , then a soak in ATF

Anyone want to share their tricks for restoring rubber parts?

[Rikugun]

I knew this old codger - a Kiwi I believe - who used to work shoe polish into the dry rot cracks on the tire sidewalls to get him through tech inspection. Like you said, didn't help with structure or integrity but looked better for a bit.

Come to think of it, maybe I saw it in a movie..... :)  :D  ;D  :P