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My front brake is stiff and hard to pull which means I hesitate using it when stopping normally. Any ideas on how to fix this? Would spraying something down the cable work?

You really need to specify which brake you are working on.

What model bike, drum or disk

I assume you have a cable operated brake, but like the others have said, this could be drum brake or early disc brake.

► Assuming the cable is not kinked or pinched, then regular lubrication helps. For the cable I suggest you buy a Cable Luber (Amazon link). This tool allows you to pressure lube the entire length of the cable with any aerosol lubricant.

► It is also very important that the barrel cable-end be greased. If the barrel is not able to rotate in the lever then the inner cable will fray and break right at the lever. Pull out the barrel and fill the void in the lever with water proof grease, such as lithium white grease. Then reinsert the barrel and wipe off the excess.

► Finally the pivot bolt for the lever also needs lubricating. You can disassemble this and use white grease, but in most cases I find it more expedient to simply spray the pivot with a small amount of chain lube, then move the lever to work it in.

In rare cases the pivot arms on the drum brakes can seize in the brake plate. The backing plate has to be removed, the pivot shaft removed, rust sanded off, white lube applied, and then all reassembled.

Sorry I thought my profile would show what bike I have. SteveD is correct, it is a 1973 75/5 with drum brakes. It looks like lubrication in the right amounts and in the right places is the solution.

Thanks