I like your idea.? That could look pretty neat.? You should look in the group files if you haven't already:? Doug Moore's Archive's: A little pizzaz for the CDV-700.? Doug mounted a few flashing LEDs behind the meter with a custom built adapter. No modification required to the meter.? You might get some ideas.? If you use 3mm LEDs you might be able to fit 10 as a decade counter for use with the 4017.
If you only need a couple of chips you might consider point to point wiring on a blank board.? I do this often for small, one off projects.
Mike L.
Mike L.