I purchased a 93 RX7 Touring Edition a couple of days ago and today I noticed that the bottom half of the car (Sides and rear bumper -- about 6 inches in height) has this bumpy look to it. Is this normal? The car will be painted in 2 months and I will have the body shop sand this down before it gets painted.

 

its normal.. rock guard

you can remove it though, some have before for a cleaner look

 

If you strip the rock guard off and go totally smooth, you will soon be absolutely RIDDLED with paint chips...even with factory 'mud flaps'. Like everything Mazda did on the car, it has a purpose.
Up to you, of course.

 

I had that ugly gravel guard removed when I had my fd painted. Never had a problem. Don't see it on most high end sports cars now do you?

 

yay orange peel

 

Rock guard? Driving on Reno freeways for one day my car had an amazing amount of rocket ships on the hood and bumper...it was completely flawless before that. Gotta love granite construction.