I just picked up about 8 older tires there all new, they've just been hanging in a buddies basement. I would really like to use them on some projects seeing as there new and were free so it would keep costs down. The only problem is that while they were hanging they seem to have dried and stiffened some. The tires look great no cracks or anything there just a little stiff. Is there ayway to unstiffen these.

yup
Go to LBS get a can of liquid latex and apply it to the sidewalls
of the tires it should loosen them up.
I think the brand I got was Jantex, use it for fixing Base tape
to tubulars, should work for your application.

Marty

Would Armor All work?

I'll try to find some of that liquid latex but if i cant find any what armor all were you thinking of

Just the regular stuff. It makes car tires shine and revitalizes interior vinyl, etc. I've never liked it personally because it attracts dust on car interiors, but it does make tires look good.

There are also several tire-specific products at car stores like Auto Zone. They contain plasticizers specifically designed to nourish and restore tires. Just go down to your local auto parts place and see what they have.

One thing... it would probably be best to re-vitalize the tires before you put them on the your bike. You don't want to get any goop on your rims that might affect braking.

Good luck with it. Sounds like you got a nice deal... and a nice friend.