73 Dodge Dart heat control

Hi Folks, whilst re striping my Dart down before it goes in for a rewire I have started to look at the heat control lever that has always appeared to be reluctant to move. The cable appears to be seized but it appears to also go to a lever which I assume opens a valve to control the water. Can you get to that item to lubricate it to get it to operate ? Is the cable available? I've also noted a strange set up on the hoses going to the matrix. Are these standard or yet another bodge by a previous owner?

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