Fred sees the beginning of the end of his junk business when Lamont takes a salesman job in a men's clothing store. But, like the good father he is, Fred goes to the store to "help" his "ungrateful" son. Pat Morita guest stars.
Lamont may be in for a fight when he tries to change Fred's bigoted attitude toward other minorities. He finally leaves home after Fred refuses to allow a sensitivity group to meet at the Sanford home.
Determined to get Lamont to the altar, his latest girl Judy schemes to gain the support of his godfather Grady by making advances toward him. What she's unprepared for, however, is that Grady takes the advances seriously.
Fred gets into a dispute with his neighbor Julio over the boundary dividing their properties. Lamont nags Fred to forget the whole matter but Fred doesn't let up until he hires a surveyor to settle the issue and determine the legal property line.
Grady gets involved in a case of mistaken identity with the amorous Betty Hairston who thinks she's engaged to him. Minding the house and business for Fred, Grady is confronted by Betty who claims that one Fred Sanford asked her to marry him.
Nine-year-old Jason (Lincoln Kilpatrick Jr.) worms his way into the Sanford yard and eventually into Fred's heart. Touched by the runaway's loneliness, Fred gets an idea to help others like Jason -- but he's not prepared for the results.
Lamont outsmarts himself when he buys what he believes is a rare antique commode for only $20. Fred disapproves of the deal but Lamont insists that he can sell it for $400.
Fred is caught up in a series of frustrating situations when he becomes a resident of a senior citizens' home. Fred is put in the home by Lamont, who plans to work his way around the world on a steamer and doesn't want to leave his father alone.
When Fred Sanford receives a slight injury in a car mishap, Lamont decides to hire a housekeeper. But when she arrives, Fred is aghast to learn she is white... and lazy. Mary Wickes guest stars.
When Fred's attempt to have a hypnotist cure his toothache fails, Lamont insists they go to the free clinic. Things get complicated when Fred insists on being treated by a white dentist.
When Lamont brings home an antique gun, Fred pulls the trigger and is surprised to learn the gun was loaded. The bullet careens through the neighbor's window and Fred is concerned about his safety.
A great deal on a grand piano finds Lamont and Fred lodged in the apartment of a wealthy eccentric.
Lamont stumbles upon a suitcase full of what he's sure is stolen money and calls the police to come take it away. Not wanting to take any chances, Fred locks the find up in the safe. Unfortunately, Fred's idea doesn't eliminate the risk when the money's "owner" comes to retrieve his loot.
Lamont buys two coffins at an auction and plans to sell them at a large profit. Very superstitious about having coffins in the house, Fred decides to sleep in the truck until they are sold.
Fred's failure to pay any bills brings threats of turned off utilities and repossessed furniture. But when the collection agents come to take away the furniture, the quick thinking Fred turns a fall into a fast fortune.
Fred's suspicions about a used-copper salesman are ignored by Lamont, especially after his son checks the metal's going price. But unfortunately for everyone, Fred's instincts prove to be correct. The copper Lamont bought was stolen -- some of it was even from the Sanford's own house.