A vehicle tailgate (30) has a frame (40) with a cross beam (42) and a pair of side beams (44, 46). One side beam (44, 46) extends from each end of the cross beam (42). A first metal tapping plate (50, 150) is secured with the cross beam (42). At least one elongated tang (56) is positioned between the body (52) and each tab (54). A clevis bracket (82) is positioned on the side beams (44, 46). An overmolded (108) material is on the shaft (100, 102) and the two heads (96, 98) of the striker (88). The wedges (92, 94), on the clevis bracket (82), aligns the clevis bracket (82) with the striker (84). A second tapping plate (70) is secured to the sheet metal.