How to soften carb boots?

I just bought a 1984 honda v45 magna and I'm trying to get the carb out but it's sat in the weather for years. How do I get the carb out of the boots?

WD-40, penetrating oil, silicone spray. Something along those lines. Shoot at inside of intake manifold.

Open the float bowl drain screws and completely drain the carburetors.
Use a hair dryer and blow hot air onto the manifolds to soften them up.
When the rubber is soft, pop the carbs out with a pry bar (or large screwdriver).
Be extremely careful not to break the carbs (they are made of soft and brittle aluminum).