am i stupid or do i have to lower the gas tank to get the rear bumper off? theres gotta be an easier way...

 

According to the '80 FSM, you don't have to drop the gas tank to remove the rear bumper.

- David

 

Ya, you don't have to remove the gas tank. Check this out. http://www.wankel.net/~krwright/cars/rx7/manuals.html

 

Both front and rear bumpers are held on by 2 long bolts, with 14 mm heads, that are accessed from the bottom of the bumper. Don't forget to unplug the lights. P B Blast them as well as you can. Often takes a 1/2" impact to break the rear ones loose.